Job Description

Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Sciences Research Technician 3 position for the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research & Extension Center (MCAREC) at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will be located in Hood River, Oregon.

This position is located within the Horticulture Program at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research & Extension Center (MCAREC) in Hood River, Oregon. The program conducts applied agricultural research and outreach focused primarily on fresh sweet cherry and pear production systems to support the regional tree fruit industry. Research includes field and laboratory evaluation of fruit quality and yield, the effects of rootstock, plant growth regulators, and irrigation practices, and strategies to mitigate extreme temperature impact on tree fruit productivity.

The Biological Science Research Technician 3 independently conducts field and laboratory research consistent with established research plans under the general direction of a faculty program leader. The position implements and adapts research protocols, conducts experiments, collects and analyzes biological and environmental data, and reports results. This person provides advanced technical expertise to support research operations, ensures data quality and experimental consistency, instructs students and seasonal employees in technical research procedures, and maintains research equipment and facilities.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
50% – Field Research and Orchard Operations

45% – Laboratory Operations

5% Data Management & Program Support

What We Require
A Bachelor’s degree in (specific area of biological science) and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science Research Technician 2 level. Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

What You Will Need
A Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Biology, or a closely related field and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science Research Technician 2 level.

Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

Experience implementing established research protocols and collecting experimental data in both field and laboratory environments.

Experience with data management and basic analysis of data generated from field and laboratory research activities.

Proficiency with standard computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data entry, management, and reporting.

Ability to follow safety procedures and operate, maintain, and troubleshoot field and laboratory equipment.

Ability to effectively communicate and to train, supervise, and provide technical guidance to student workers in field and laboratory settings.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
Experience with tree fruit biology, physiology, or orchard production systems.

Experience contributing to research reports, peer‑reviewed publications, or professional presentations.

Experience presenting research or extension information to scientific, technical, or grower audiences.